Aren Kuri allowed a run in six innings to earn his first win as a starter in two months as the Hiroshima Carp beat the Tokyo Yakult Swallows 7-1 on Friday night.
Kuri (6-5), making his first start since June 2, served up some fat pitches early, but settled down after escaping a two-on, no-out jam in the first. By the time he left, he had scattered six hits and two walks, while striking out four.
"I went out to challenge hitters, and make my pitches and was eventually able to do that," Kuri said. "But more than my pitching, it was the fielders who made the plays behind me and put runs on the board. I am grateful to them."